Getting sick of reality t.v.

Ok, I would just LOVE to see more quality t.v. There is a lot of "reality" crap out there and I can't believe that people just eat it up. I do love American Idol and thought Dancing with the Stars was nice, but there is just too much reality t.v. out there IMHO. This summer has been overwhelmingly reality t.v. with all these talent shows and I must be in the minority here, but I find them all to be pretty boring. What does goldenskate think about reality t.v.? I mean, I'd just prefer to watch figure skating all the time, but we have this down time (like now!) and I just wish I could find something of substance to watch.

Summer is usually loaded with re-runs. Since reality shows are less expensive to produce, the networks really load them up. If they are successful (ie. American Idol, Amazing Race, Survivor, Apprentice, Dancing with the Stars), they end up putting them on in the fall or as mid-season replacements.

I've noticed there are more talent based reality/contests. I much prefer these over the dregs like the Bachelor/Bachelorette, Joe Millionaire, Temptation Island, etc. I don't enjoy any of the 'romance' reality shows.

Things like Wipe Swap/Trading Spouses and Super Nanny seem to allow people to appreciate what they have more and/or provide some much needed guidance, respectively.

I also enjoy Beauty and the Geek since the ladies usually become more grounded and the guys more confident.

And they'll keep coming until the ratings plummet. If one is really sick of them one just will refuse to watch them and the TV networks will respond accordingly.

Amen. People are afraid to be alone with their own thoughts. How else can you explain the moronic shows like American Idol, that actually find an audience? It is sad that the public is so addicted to garbage. There is nothing wrong with a few hours of television a week, but there are actually people who watch every day. How pathetic.

My sentiments exactly. I started a thread - Americas got talent shows, but no one responded. I am getting weary of these endless mindless shows. I think big brother and fear factor top my list as most inane, then followed by the new America's got talent.

The only so-called 'reality' shows I watch are the klids' ones, like Endurance, Trading Spaces, and Rockstar [insert name of band] because of Brooke Burke.......
The rest is such abysmal garbage that I'd rather twiddle my thumbs.......

...Or at least find some quality programming (yes, there is some out there) Better yet, pick up a good book, folks!!!

Books? Sorry nothing against them, but I can't stand reading books, I would much rather read it off the monitor

"Comics" (graphic novels and Manga are way more fun for me) Anyone read the Identity Crisis series (most the classic super heroes) about a year ago. It was really good. Don't knock it unless you have "been there" recently. Not everyone who reads those are "mouth breathers," I have one acquaintance that frequents the same shop as I and he is a conductor.

Anyway, yes, being more selective about your channels is a good idea. If you are stuck watching the "air waves" you don't get that much choice. Reality shows always strike me as an odd concept any way. I really think there are "Altered reality shows." When I am watching TLC, History or Animal Planet, something along those lines, that I feel is reality TV.

I do agree there is some good programing out there. And personally if people do start turning off the TV more, there will be MORE of those types of shows popping up to try and gain viewers. Watching something else is the best way to encourage a change. To bad they choose most of the Neilson Families based on the most capable of being media brainwashed. At least that is how it appears.

There are also surveys (I know, evil word) you can take to voice the things you enjoy. TV programing is a very common marketing strategy. They will create something that they have some evidence that you are going to want to watch, this is ALL based on demographics and statistics. So you have to make you voice be heard to make the change - don't make them guess, they'll usually pick tried and true to keep the sponsorships. Personally I have a "junk mail account" just for potential spam junk. I look through it once and a while, but for the most part it is just so I don't have a "Real" filled mailbox with crap in it. Works like a charm.

Anyway, changing programing on TV is acutely one of the easiest things in the world to get changed, You just have to have the numbers on your side to minimize them taking a risk.

"Reality TV" is a misnomer. None of those shows are real. Not only are they all scripted, but heavily rehearsed. All of the participants are either members of SAG or AFTRA, and there are tons of writing credits at the end of each episode.